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Grocery Shopping Torture

How exactly does anyone who has a full time job, and perhaps a kid or two find the time to grocery shop? No matter where you live, you have to spend some time just getting to the place where you shop. Most working folks must take time out of their weekend to do it. Crowded parking lots, crowded isles, and long check out lines are the typical weekend scene around me.

When my gang of four kids was home, our budget for food felt as big as the national debt. I drove all day on Saturday , shopping at places like a discount store that sold expired baked goods, an off brand grocery store & more. I felt then, and still feel that it is better to spend my time hunting for bargains than standing in a check out line.

So what does this have to do with intuitive cooking? If you start with a pantry of basics, and add on to it as you discover what kind of cooking works for you, you will find grocery shopping less frustrating. And you won't start a meal and discover you are missing some ingredient essential to your meal, because you will be able to think on your feet.

My dinner last night is an example of what I mean. I made a meatloaf , and was trying to decide what to serve with it. I knew I had some noodles in my pantry, so I boiled them. Then my system failed me, because I realized I had used my last pound of butter in the freezer. BUT I ALSO knew I did have some creamed cheese left. So I added salt, a bunch of pepper , and a bit of creamed cheese to the drained pasta. It was yummy, of course! I added a quick salad, and I had a meal. It is no great discovery, and certainly no gourmet meal.   It was economical, quick to make, relatively healthy,  and enjoyable to eat. Not bad!

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